Clark steps down at Texas softball coach

The only head coach in the history of the program, Texas softball coach Connie Clark has stepped down after 23 seasons at the helm of the program.

By Steve Habel, Senior Contributing Writer

AUSTIN, Texas — Connie Clark was quick to say that anytime the University of Texas softball team was not participating in the Women’s College World Series in June that the season past was not a success. Such was the height of her expectations for the Longhorns each year, and most times her players had the talent to reach that goal.

Clark stepped down Wednesday as the head softball coach at Texas, four days after the Longhorns ended their season in the Seattle Regional with a 3-0 loss to No. 25 Minnesota. Texas went 33-26 in Clark’s 23rd and final campaign at the helm and has not been to the Women’s College World Series — Clark’s own benchmark for a team’s greatness — in five seasons.

“This decision comes with a great deal of emotion because it was such a blessing to be able to build this program from day one and to manage it for 23 years,” Clark said in a statement released Wednesday by the athletic department. [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]“I was so lucky to have that chance as a rookie head coach, and I’m beyond thankful to [former University of Texas women’s athletic director] Jody Conradt for that opportunity. When I think back to all of the energy we’ve poured into this program, the many highs we’ve had and the lows we’ve grown from, it’s been truly special. I’m really proud of everything we’ve been able to accomplish.

“To the women who helped us from that first club season until now, I’m forever grateful to you and all you’ve done for the program. You, your families, all the staff, I’m so fortunate to have made a lifetime of friendships during my time at Texas.”

In all, Texas went to the NCAAs 19 times in Clark’s tenure, including 14 appearances in a row. The Longhorns lost in the NCAA Regional every year since 2013, which was the last time they advanced to a super-regional and the Women’s College World Series.

A national search for Clark’s successor will begin immediately.

“I feel like it’s a really good time to pass the baton,” Clark said. “The program has a great foundation in place, and it’s refreshing to be able to make this decision and go out on my own terms. I know a coach can come in and hit the ground running because the culture is solid, and we have a great group of women in place from a character and talent standpoint.

“I’m extremely proud of all we’ve accomplished, but just think the timing is right for a change.”

Clark is the only softball coach in Texas history, beginning the program as a club sport in 1996, and continuing on the bench for the past 22 as an NCAA varsity program.

Clark is a three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year (2002, 2006 and 2010) and finished on the 40 Acres with an overall record of 873-401-3. She led the Longhorns to five Women’s College World Series appearances (1998, 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2013), 19 NCAA Tournament appearances (1998-2000, 2002-03, 2005-18), four Big 12 Conference Championship tournament titles (1999, 2002, 2003, and 2005) and four Big 12 regular-season titles (2002, 2003, 2006, and 2010).

Texas’ appearance in the 1998 WCWS, in just its second varsity season, still ranks as the quickest arrival at the NCAA Division I softball “Elite Eight” tournament in the history of the sport.

Clark produced one national player of the year (three times), 29 All-America selections, six Academic All-Americas and countless All-Big 12 honorees. Two of Clark’s Longhorns, pitchers Cat Osterman and Christa Williams, won Olympic gold medals, and she has coached nine national and junior national team members.

“We can’t thank Coach Clark enough for everything she’s done for The University of Texas and our softball program,” said Chris Del Conte, Texas’ vice president and athletics director. “She was there from the beginning, built a strong foundation and had several tremendous seasons in her 23 years as head coach.

“She will always be remembered as the first coach in our proud softball history and celebrated for all of the great accomplishments she guided our young ladies to. We are forever grateful for all she’s given to Texas for so many years.”

Clark and Texas softball had a run of five straight seasons of 40 or more wins and a ranking among the top 20 from 2009-13, including that final Women’s College World Series appearance and No. 3 ranking in 2013 and advancing to a Super Regional and finishing No. 9 in 2012.

A three-time All-America pitcher and 1987 Broderick Award winner as the national player of the year at Cal State Fullerton, Clark came to Texas after five years as an assistant coach at Florida State. The Glendale, Arizona native is a member of the Arizona Softball Foundation Hall of Fame, the NJCAA Hall of Fame and Cal State Fullerton Athletics Hall of Fame.

“I’m excited for the future of Texas softball, but it’s time for me personally to start a new chapter in my life,” Clark said. “The timing coincides well for both me and the program to go in a new direction. I’m excited to see the new energy that will be brought to Texas softball and look forward to being a fan, not only of softball, but all Texas sports.”

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